"Describes the history of slavery in the United States--from the landing of the first enslaved Africans to the close of the Civil War--through various primary source documents, such as slave narratives, advertisements, newspaper accounts, official documents and laws, plus contemporary art and photos"--Provided by publisher.

Uses slave narratives, letters, diaries, military orders, and other documents to chronicle the various stages leading to the emancipation of slaves in the United States.